David Poile, Peter Laviolette Discuss Upcoming Off-season For Nashville Predators
David Poile and Peter Laviolette addressed what the Preds' hopes, dreams and aspirations are for this off season. RECAP: Ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-CHANGES (kind of).
A lot of news and knowledge was dropped in the season ending press conference by David Poile and Peter Laviolette. Thankfully, Kris Martel was on the scene and shared news we saw coming, we didn't see coming and all the inbetween. Let's recap all of it, shall we?
Addressing The Game 7 Loss
"We're very disappointed. We were depressed a couple days ago on losing that hockey game" - Laviolette on G7 vs SJ
— Kristopher Martel (@kmartel_sports) May 18, 2016
We feel you, coach, we feel you.
"We didn't play well in G7. Had we lost the game 3-2 in overtime, would we have felt any different? The answer is probably no" - Laviolette
— Kristopher Martel (@kmartel_sports) May 18, 2016
While most fans would say they would have felt better if the Preds would have lost in a heartbreak fashion instead of being embarrassed for 60 minutes like they were in Game 7, a loss is still a loss.
Nashville: A Hockey City
"This is a hockey city. We have great, great fans." - Poile
— Kristopher Martel (@kmartel_sports) May 18, 2016
"I've been here for all 18 years and this was a tremendous ride. I've never seen as much passion for a team or city." - Poile
— Kristopher Martel (@kmartel_sports) May 18, 2016
What a year it was for hockey in Music City. The All-Star Game, a legitimate playoff run and a buzz that encapsulated the entire city. Yes, the season ended before the Preds and their fans wanted it to, but man, this year was fun and a huge accomplishment for Nashville as a whole.
The Players
Poile: "Forsberg needs a contract. We've talked to his agent."
— Kristopher Martel (@kmartel_sports) May 18, 2016
"I can't sit here and tell you it'll be a 'bridge contact' or we'll re-sign him for 5-6 years."
— Jeremy K. Gover (@govertime) May 18, 2016
- #Preds GM David Poile on RFA Forsberg
SIGN THAT MAN. Will it be a bridge deal or a massive deal? The latter would be in the team's best interest of course.
Poile: "We hope Playoff Willy (Colin Wilson) becomes Well-Rounded Willy"
— Kristopher Martel (@kmartel_sports) May 18, 2016
Playoff Colin Wilson was great. Regular season Colin Wilson this year had six goals and 18 assists in 64 games; not great for a guy being paid $3.938 million per year for the next three seasons.
Poile noted that Bourque is progressing and they will talk about his future with the team
— Kristopher Martel (@kmartel_sports) May 18, 2016
Your guess is as good as mine when it comes to what will happen with Gabriel Bourque this summer. He is a very serviceable bottom-six forward - particularly on the fourth line - and kills penalties. Maybe another one-year, $866k contract to see what a healthy Bourque can do? He will turn 26-years-old in September.
Poile says contract negotiations will start "right away" with Calle Jarnkrok. #Preds
— Brooks Bratten (@brooksbratten) May 18, 2016
This is good to know. It would be a surprise if it was another $735k deal was coming Jarnkrok's way as he has shown he's worth a bit more than that with 30 points in 81 regular season games this year. Plus, how could the Preds breakup the Swedish power house they've created?
Poile says they intend to re-sign Cody Bass as well
— Kristopher Martel (@kmartel_sports) May 18, 2016
Nope, Cody Bass isn't going to be a name you see on the score sheet too often but all indications point to that he is a great locker room guy. Bass is a serviceable fourth liner and with the Tweets you're about to read, the Preds may need that come next season.
Poile said he's talked about making a trade or going their separate ways with Nystrom
— Kristopher Martel (@kmartel_sports) May 18, 2016
Gaustad will also not be returning
— Kristopher Martel (@kmartel_sports) May 18, 2016
Paul Gaustad is coming off of the books as he is a UFA but Eric Nystrom will need to be bought out or dealt to be removed from the roster. Here is your friendly reminder that Nystrom - the player that scored 19 points in 106 games over the last two seasons - was paid $3 million last season ($2.5 million cap-hit). He has one year left on his current deal that carries a $2.5 million AAV next season.
Gaustad carried a $3.25 million AAV last season, so that is a large large chunk of change that will be freed up.
Poile says they've had some discussions with Hutton and his agent, will try to work out a deal to keep him with the team behind Rinne
— Kristopher Martel (@kmartel_sports) May 18, 2016
This is an interesting one as the Preds have Marek Mazanec (who also needs a new contract) and Juuse Saros waiting in the wings in Milwaukee. Another full season in the AHL would likely be in Saros' best interest as he just turned 21-years-old in April, but all signs point in the right direction for him and his future.
Keeping Hutton around for another season to let Saros get one more year under his belt wouldn't be the worst move Poile has ever made.
Mazanec is an interesting situation though as he has three AHL seasons and 27 NHL games to his name. He also turns 25-years-old in July.
Poile: "I'm psyched"#BestQuote
— Kristopher Martel (@kmartel_sports) May 18, 2016
Hey, we are too, Mr. Poile.
Here's the video, if you missed it.